UK Pint vs US Pint
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
UK pubs (beer), milk in some UK shops, Canada (for beer, the 'Imperial pint').
US bars, US grocery (milk, ice cream, juice), most North American bartending recipes.
| Aspect | UK Pint | US Pint |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 568 ml (exactly 20 UK fl oz) | 473 ml (exactly 16 US fl oz) |
| Fluid ounces | 20 | 16 |
| Half pint | 284 ml | 237 ml |
| Beer in UK pub | Always 568 ml pint or 284 ml half | — |
| Beer in US bar | 16 fl oz = 473 ml (or smaller) | Standard pour |
Frequently asked
Why is a UK pint bigger?
The UK kept the older British 'wine gallon' standard (4.546 L = 8 pints of 568 ml). The US adopted Queen Anne's Wine Gallon of 1707 (3.785 L = 8 pints of 473 ml) after independence. Both 'pints' descend from different historical gallons.
How much beer is a UK pint vs US pint?
A UK pint is 568 ml (about 1.2 US pints). If you're used to US beers, a UK pint will feel noticeably bigger.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a UK pint bigger?
The UK kept the older British 'wine gallon' standard (4.546 L = 8 pints of 568 ml). The US adopted Queen Anne's Wine Gallon of 1707 (3.785 L = 8 pints of 473 ml) after independence. Both 'pints' descend from different historical gallons.
How much beer is a UK pint vs US pint?
A UK pint is 568 ml (about 1.2 US pints). If you're used to US beers, a UK pint will feel noticeably bigger.